Five Must-See Wild Places in the Central United States

Something about the great outdoors inspires a sense of euphoria. It has a wild, primitive power that captivates the soul. Below are five top places worth visiting in the central region of the United States. Come discover them for yourself.

Mark Twain National Forest – Missouri

Tupelo Gum Trees at Cupola Pond Natural Area, Mark Twain National Forest
photo by Jerry Oldenettel

Mark Twain National Forest is home to an abundance of wildlife, including Tupelo trees in the Cupola Pond Natural Area, whose glorious foliage bursts into shades of crimson during the Autumn season. There is something majestic about them, as one beholds them rising from the shallow waters of the pond, where their reflections appear to erase the boundaries of time and place.

The Mark Twain National Forest extends over 1.4 million acres of wilderness, most of which is in the Ozark Highlands. There are wilderness trails, campgrounds, lakes, rivers, streams, breathtaking views, and lots of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, horseback riding and more. The forest is named after American author Mark Twain, who was from Missouri.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore – Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
photo by Tom Gill

Located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a narrow strip of land measuring about 25 miles long, and encompassing 24 square miles. This impressive landscape is dominated by golden sculpted sand rippling under the sun. One can almost imagine being in the great Sahara Desert, without the searing sun. But the natural delights of this wild place include much more than the stunning dunes. There are areas with prairies, forest and oak savannah, marshes and bogs, riverbanks, and the gorgeous beaches with undulating tides. Diverse trails provide ample hiking, and its flourishing bird life makes for fantastic birdwatching. But its the sculpted sand that is one of the most alluring features of this wild place, providing many opportunities for quiet solitude. 

Badlands National Park – South Dakota

Sunrise at Badlands National Park
photo by Matthew Paulson

Buffalo once roamed the vast prairie grasslands of this region, and it still appears today as it did centuries before. Badlands National Park in South Dakota is magnificent. Its wilderness is known for the dramatic rock formations that are simply breathtakingly beautiful. Lakota Sioux tribes once hunted here, and it is also a treasure house of fossils. Hiking trails abound, and the sun paints the sky in fiery tones above the rocky peaks during sunrise and sunset.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Colorado

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
photo by Jesse Varner

It took millions of years to carve out the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The ancient rocks date back well over one billion years old. The views of this jagged rockscape are spectacular, but some outdoors enthusiasts might prefer to hike down to the canyon floor. One cannot help feeling humbled by its immensity. And while the sun’s light glosses its peaks, that light is lost below, swallowed up by the deep and narrow crevices that are shrouded in a mysterious gloom. The canyon’s depth surpasses its width, and is home to some of the oldest rock in North America.

Lusk Creek Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest – Illinois

Lusk Creek Wilderness at Shawnee National Forest
photo by half fast hiker PC010122

Lusk Creek Wilderness at Shawnee National Forest in Illinois is a mini-wilderness of unspoiled beauty. It has winding canyons, narrow ravines, sheer rock walls, and a rugged terrain with wildflowers, trees and caves. Its creek is perfect for fishing and canoeing, while hikers will enjoy exploring the banks and trails. Horseback riding and camping can be found here as well. This is another wild place certainly worth visiting to discover its natural splendor.

About the Author: Jocelyn Murray is a travel writer and historical fiction novelist. She holds two university master's degrees in both English and Education, along with a bachelor's degree in Economics and European Studies. She also has a teaching credential and taught at the elementary school level.